MAD MEN

You wonder if you're stark raving mad!! You get up every morning, get dressed as if it will be a warm, splendid day, and then cross your fingers and hope for the best. About every fourth day the sun might grace us with an appearance so you throw your coat on, run outside, and search for a few garden chores still left to do. Sometimes I keep a list of things to do IF the sun comes out and it's not blowing like mad, raining cats and dogs, and is still not below zero. A whole new meaning to Mad Men.

Seasonal Affects Disorder (SAD) is a real issue in the land of short winter days. Luckily the leaves are still brilliant and beautiful, many still on the trees casting a golden hue even under a dreary sky. But they do fall down, and there will be a LOT of grey days ahead. So if you know someone having trouble, please offer to help. This is no human shortcoming but an unfortunate ailment very common in Northern climates.

FALL IS UPON US

There's no denying it....it's fall in Minnesota and that can mean only one thing. We will have winter, once again, this year. For some of you, this may be a glimpse into the tangled psyche of a non-native who struggles with this inevitable truth year after year. So what to do??

A few of my coping mechanisms, other than humor, include:

• Change at least your throw pillows with the season to ensure you enjoy spending time inside because spring is a long way off!


• Stay really busy, even vacuum if you must, because it will warm you up, and that's important when it's below zero.


• Soften cold hard surfaces with tablecloths, throw blankets, area rugs, etc. Your spaces will appear cozier and not so cold to the touch.


• Own an animal that needs daily walking. They NEVER complain or whine about the weather. They have a good attitude in general, as long as they're with you.


• Turn on lamps with soft light for comfort and light a candle at dinner.


• Every day, get outside and get some fresh air, even when it's inhumanely cold, wet, dark, and dreary.


• Turn on the stove, even if it's just to warm up some bread for dinner. A warm kitchen is always a comfort when the weather grows cold.